Fall 2011
Grab a late-night hot dog
Served by vendor, philosopher and University icon Manouch, this treat is best eaten with GW sauce. The stand outside of the 2000 Penn shopping center is open from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Meet GW’s unofficial mascot
GW adopted the bronze hippo statue at 21st and H streets as its second mascot. Rub his nose on the way to a November basketball game to give the Colonials some luck.
Spring 2012
Ring in spring with Holi
Brought to campus by the Indian Student Association, students celebrate the festival of colors by throwing dye at each other and dancing in University Yard.
Enjoy the chaos of the SA
Each March during elections, candidates for the University’s highest positions in the Student Association put up posters and campaign outside the Marvin Center and in Kogan Plaza. Stop to chat, grab some free candy or join the rush and run for a position.
Fall 2012
Vote away from home
Request an absentee ballot with the help of GW Votes, a student organization aimed at increasing voter turnout. Be among the first people celebrating outside the White House, no matter which candidate wins.
Serve with Alt Breaks
Sign up to participate in GW Alternative Breaks. The community service program sends hundreds of students to work at sites all over the world, including Costa Rica, Honduras and New Orleans during winter and spring breaks. The program was recently given funding from the Student Association due to its growing popularity.
Spring 2013
See both sides of Lisner Auditorium
Located at 21st and H streets, this main performing space on campus has played host to politicians, authors and celebrities including President Barack Obama, Stephen Colbert and author Thomas Friedman. After seeing the big names, head through the side entrance to Lisner Downstage, a tiny black-box theater where student groups perform.
Cool off on the Vern
Get a summer internship, and spend your days off at the Mount Vernon Campus pool. The relaxing spot is ideal for tanning or a quick dip, and it’s definitely worth the 15-minute shuttle ride.
Fall 2013
Get out of town
The Office for Study Abroad arranges student placements to locations all around the world – from Kenya to Argentina and Australia to France. Start looking into programs early so you find one that fits your interests and major. Going in the fall opens you up to scholarship and preferred housing opportunities.
Spring 2014
See GW’s best dancers at work
Catch DanceWorks, a show choreographed and performed by students. Also, make sure not to miss Bhangra Blowout, a South Asian dance competition that brings together college teams from around the country to raise money for charity.
Never miss a free show
Head over to Spring Fling, a University-sponsored concert, complete with free food and giveaways. Last year, it featured performances by Mike Posner and Chiddy Bang.
Fall 2014
Do the Time Warp
Spend Halloween night at Forbidden Planet Productions’ annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Don lingerie and play the virgin games while students act out the sexy cult classic.
Unmask an Order Member
Accuse a friend or be accused of being in the Order of the Hippo. Former University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg founded the University’s not-so-secret society over a decade ago. The purpose and activities of the group remain mysterious, although members occasionally leave candy around campus.
Spring 2015
Take a class that meets off campus
While the travel time might be a pain, it’s worth it to take a fine arts class at the Hirshorn Museum or a political communication class that visits the White House press room.
Graduate on the National Mall
We know its cliché, but graduating just footsteps from the Capitol is the best way to cap off your bucket list.
